The LYS definition of “Bootleg Technology” is cheap, personally owned hardware that allows the user to connect to the Internet wherever there is Wi-Fi or cellular service. Bootleg technology allows the user quick access to the depth and breadth of human knowledge and is rapidly replacing the office suite functions of standard computers. LYS advocates the integration of bootleg technology in campus operations for ownership reasons (the student owns the hardware, so he is responsible for keeping it in working order); engagement reasons; and cost reasons (all the district has to do is provide the Wi-Fi service, let the kids do the rest). However, your traditional thinkers and school leaders view bootleg technology in the same terms as desktop and laptop computers. Hardware that the district should own and therefore control. But thinking in that way only ensures that you will always be behind the curve. Here’s proof. Numerous districts have recently received positive press by buying I-Pads for their entire student body. Essentially, they have been praised for squandering taxpayers money. The I-Pads those districts bought are all outdated as of last week. What is crazy is that these districts could have saved their dollars and just let students bring their own I-pads and tablets (and received the same great press). There might not be a 1:1 ratio at first, but that can be overcome with sharing and collaboration (which by the way, are real world skills). The power of bootleg technology is problem solving, exploration and innovation. Which means that those in charge have to let go of their ownership and control issues. And yes, in case you are wondering, the new I-pad is awesome. A number of you in the LYS Nation are now using your own bootleg technology devices to follow Twitter. If you haven’t done so yet, we want you to join us. To let you see what you are missing, here are the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of March 11, 2012, as tabulated by the accountants at Price Waterhouse. 1. Off to a breakfast meeting with a former US Secretary of Education. National interest in the success of LYS schools! 2. The purpose of student data is not to predict the future. Its purpose is to change the future. 3. Data shows us that poor + can’t read + 3rd grade = drop out. My question is what do you do from that point to make sure it doesn’t happen? 4. Data show the number of Texas elementary schools exceeding 22 students a class has risen to 8,479 from 2,238 last year. (By @RaylynnErnest) 5. When it comes to something as important as education do you really want to cut corners in the name of efficiency? (By @DrJerryRBurkett) 6. I don’t mind efficient if we are effective. Effective depends on how many mandates and standards we are accountable for. (By @txschoolsupe) 7. The key to great district leadership is the balance between effectiveness and efficiency. That is the genius of Brezina. 8. Over 1/2 of North Carolina teachers claim they spend over 1/2 of their time prepping kids for tests. If that means teaching tested standards, that’s OK. 9. The politician who wants to make it easier to be an educator would never try to implement similar policies for his doctor, lawyer or CPA. 10. I have yet to have a student tell me they can’t use technology because they haven’t received any PD on it. (By @sjunkins) Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…
- Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/4ydqd4t
- Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation
- Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Plans (Fundamental 5 Lesson Plan Tool); PW Lite (Basic PowerWalks Tool); PW Pro (Mid-level PowerWalks Tool)
- Confirmed 2012 Presentations: NASB Conference; TASSP Conference (multiple sessions); Region 10 ESC Fall Leadership Conference (Keynote)
